Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.